- Typical 2026 asking pay: S$550 to S$650 new, S$650 to S$800+ experienced
- Maid levy: S$300 a month, or S$60 with concession
- MOM requires at least 1 rest day a month that cannot be swapped for pay
- Many Indonesian helpers are Muslim, so agree on pork handling, prayer time and Ramadan before she arrives
Friends, should you hire an Indonesian helper?
Indonesia is one of the biggest sources of helpers in Singapore.
So you probably know a family with one... and you've probably heard a story or two.
Here's what it costs, what the embassy expects, and what to talk about before she arrives.
Why do Singapore families hire Indonesian helpers?
Every helper is her own person. These are the reasons employers mention most.
How much does an Indonesian maid cost in Singapore?
The Indonesian Embassy checks every contract before she can start. Ask your agency for the current salary floor, as it changes over time.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | S$550 to S$650 | Monthly |
| Maid levy | S$300 / S$60 | Monthly (S$450 for a 2nd helper) |
| Agency fee | S$1,000 - S$3,000 | One-off |
| Work permit | S$35 + S$35 | Application + issuance |
| Settling-in Programme | S$76.40 - S$92.65 | First-time helpers only |
| Security bond | S$5,000 | Usually covered by an insurance guarantee |
| Medical insurance | S$60,000 cover | Plus personal accident cover, employer pays |
Sources: MOM levy, insurance and SIP pages. Agency fees vary widely, so compare. The levy drops to S$60 if you live with a child under 16, someone aged 67 or above, or a certified person with disabilities.
Is an Indonesian helper cheaper than a Filipino or Myanmar helper?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Nationality | Minimum | New to Singapore | Experienced in SG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesian | Ask agency | S$550 to S$650 | S$650 to S$800+ |
| Filipino | S$650 | S$650 to S$750 | S$700 to S$900 |
| Myanmar | About S$450 | S$500 to S$600 | S$600 to S$750+ |
Indicative 2026 market ranges published by Singapore agencies and helper platforms. Basic salary only, before rest-day pay and levy.
Can my Indonesian helper handle pork?
Many Indonesian helpers are Muslim. Some are fine cooking pork with gloves. Some are not.
There's no single answer, so ask her directly at the interview.
What about prayer times, Ramadan and Hari Raya?
- Prayer. A practising Muslim prays five times a day. Each prayer takes a few minutes. A quiet corner and a small break is all it needs.
- Ramadan. She may fast from dawn to sunset for a month. Lighter heavy-lifting in the afternoon and time to eat before dawn help a lot.
- Hari Raya. Many helpers hope to have this day as a rest day, or take home leave around it. Agree early if you travel then too.
- Not every helper is Muslim. Some are Christian or of other faiths. Ask, and don't assume.
How many rest days must I give my Indonesian maid?
The same MOM rules apply to every nationality.
- She is entitled to 1 rest day a week
- At least 1 rest day a month must be taken and cannot be paid off
- Other rest days can be worked only if she agrees in writing, for at least 1 day's pay or a replacement day
- Salary must be paid within 7 days of the end of each month
How do I hire an Indonesian maid in Singapore?
You hire through a MOM-licensed agency in Singapore. It works with a licensed recruiter in Indonesia and handles the embassy paperwork.
Ask your agency how fees are billed and whether she carries a loan for training costs. Know before you sign.
Are Indonesian maids problematic?
You've heard the kopitiam stories. "Have you heard about the Indonesian maid who..."
Those stories are about one person. Every nationality has wonderful helpers and bad matches.
Most "problems" start from mismatched expectations. A few things that help:
- Short, clear instructions. English varies. Show the task once, together, then let her try.
- Use a translation app for the first weeks, or encourage an English class on her rest day.
- Invest in training. A cooking or eldercare course sharpens skills and shows you value her.
- Follow the law. Singapore's rules protect both of you. Fair pay, rest and insurance build trust.
Should I hire an Indonesian maid? Pros and cons
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Consider | Good Fit If... | Think Twice If... |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Someone at home speaks Malay | You need fluent English from day one |
| Food | Little or no pork at home | Pork daily and she prefers not to handle it |
| Budget | S$550 to S$650 suits you | You want the lowest salary possible |
| Pets | Cats, fish or no pets | A big dog, unless she's said yes |
How do I help my Indonesian helper settle in?
- Write a simple daily schedule and stick it on the fridge
- Show her where to pray, and when breaks fit the day
- Have a weekly 10-minute chat: what's going well, what to tweak
- Ask about her family and her hometown. A little interest goes a long way
The best matches I've seen have one thing in common.
They talked about everything before day one... pork, prayer, rest days and all.
P.S. You'll learn "terima kasih" in a week. Remembering which drawer she reorganised takes longer.
